Castes And Tribes Of Southern India (Volume VII)

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In this excerpt, Bishop Caldwell discusses the significance of the tali, a Hindu marriage symbol akin to the European wedding ring. He recounts an instance where a clergyman insisted on using a ring instead of a tali, highlighting the complexities of cultural symbols. Caldwell suggests that the ring, while deemed more Christian, has its own pagan roots, a fact acknowledged by Quakers who reject it. Additionally, Wagner notes that the tradition of wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand also stems from pagan beliefs. The Greeks and Romans referred to this finger as the "medicated finger," believing it contained a vein linked directly to the heart, which is why they used it for stirring potions. The excerpt emphasizes the intertwined nature of cultural practices and their historical origins, questioning the notion of purity in symbols of marriage. The publisher, Forgotten Books, aims to preserve historical works, using advanced technology to repair and reproduce texts while maintaining their original format, although some imperfections may remain to honor the work's age.